A lack of confidence is a very common problem among young people today. Many students have grown up in a world where they are exposed to expectations of perfection from an early age, and this can affect their body image, as well as their self-esteem when it comes to excelling in exams or getting ahead in life. It’s brilliant to have goals, but if they’re not realistic, you’re always going to fall short. Confidence is hugely beneficial. It can give you the push you need to take your chances and make opportunities for yourself, and it can help you to feel less anxious and more comfortable.

If you lack confidence at college, here are some tips, which will come in handy.

Be realisticBody image is a real issue in our society, and the media is often vilified for encouraging young people to aim for something that isn’t achievable. So many girls spend their time looking at images of supermodels on Instagram and posting about summer body goals. But the reality is that very few people are born with bodies they can transform into catwalk-worthy physiques. If you’re short and naturally curvy, the truth is that you’re never going to look like a model, and that’s absolutely fine. There’s nothing wrong with being petite or athletic, voluptuous or boyish. We’re all different, and that’s what makes the human race so fascinating. If you look at shots online and images in magazines and they give you inspiration to shape up or get healthy, then this can be very positive, but don’t let them make you feel ugly or encourage you to take drastic measures like starving yourself to lose weight rapidly.

When you’re setting targets, always be realistic. Think about the outcome you want, and work out how you’re going to get there. If you have a shot at hitting your goal, this will keep you motivated and boost your confidence. If you have unrealistic expectations, you’re likely to lose interest and think of yourself as a failure.

Treat yourself betterHave you ever got frustrated with your best friend when she moans about feeling fat, or she gets upset because she hasn’t quite got the grades she wanted in a test? No doubt you were there to comfort her, reassure her, and tell her everything would be ok, right? Now, what happens when you have one of those days when you don’t feel comfortable in anything you try on, or you can’t find an outfit for the social? Do you get cross or angry with yourself or put yourself down? It seems to be an inherent human trait that we treat other people better than ourselves, and in most cases, we are our harshest critics. Next time you don’t feel great, you haven’t been offered the job you wanted, or your grades aren’t quite as good as expected, treat yourself as you would your best friend. It’s fine to have standards and expectations, but don’t be so down on yourself.

Enjoy some pamperingWe all have days when we complain about looking tired, or we can’t find anything to wear. If you’re feeling a bit low, a bit of pampering will always make you feel better. Get the girls together and go to the mall or try out some face masks at home. Read some reviews at Hair Styling Girl and treat yourself to some new curling irons or order some new makeup online. Do each other’s hair, and swap clothes or take a trip to the salon and try out a new hairstyle. Watch some tutorials online and try out some new makeup looks. These are really quick, simple, and affordable ways to pick yourself up and make yourself feel more attractive.

See the bigger pictureIt’s very easy to freak out and get caught up in moments when you’re young, and you’re suffering from a crisis of confidence. If you’re panicking, it can be really useful to see the bigger picture. You may be devastated about getting a B instead of an A in a test, but is it really the end of the world? The reality is that very few people get to where they want to be without having to overcome bumps in the road. Many incredibly successful people don’t have college qualifications. Just because you’re not a straight-A student, this doesn’t mean that you’re destined for failure. Next time you think the world is caving in around you, try and be rational, and focus on bouncing back and doing better next time.

ExerciseMost of us think of exercise as a way of improving our physical health and getting lean, but it can be so beneficial for your mental wellbeing. If you suffer from problems related to body image, exercise can help to increase your confidence and make you feel more attractive. It can also reduce stress and anxiety, and lift your mood. When you work out, you can focus on something other than assignments, and you can relax and have fun. You don’t have to spend hours at the gym. You can dance, cycle, take a class, go for a jog or play team sports.

Adopt a healthy attitude to social mediaThese days, most young people spend a considerable amount of time on social media. There are so many benefits of these platforms, but they can also be very damaging, especially when it comes to self-esteem. Social media can encourage us to compare ourselves to others, and it can also make us question our friendships and worry about things we would never even be aware of if it wasn’t for sites like Facebook or Instagram. If social media is getting to you, put your phone down, and stop using it so much. Don’t overthink what’s going on in your timeline, and use it only for the purposes which interest you, for example, keeping in touch with friends at different colleges.

Confidence is something that can make or break you, especially when you’re young. If you struggle with low self-esteem, there are ways of building confidence and becoming stronger. Be gentle on yourself, and don’t put yourself down.